Why Did Emily Alabi Leave ‘FBI’? The Reason Behind Dani Rhodes’ Shocking Fate

Emily Alabi as Dani Rhodes. Photo: Bennett Raglin/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

CBS

Spoilers ahead for the FBI Season 8 premiere.

CBS’s crime drama FBI returned for its Season 8 premiere on Monday, Oct. 13, with a shocking character death that rocked the bureau, and it wasn’t one viewers were expecting.

In the cliffhanger from the Season 7 finale, Special Agent Isobel Castille (Alana de la Garza) appeared to be on the verge of being killed off after fainting in front of the entire office. When Jubal (Jeremy Sisto) checked on her, he realized she didn’t have a pulse.

That was the second death scare Garza’s character faced in the finale. Nine agents, including Assistant Director in Charge John Reynolds (Ben Shenkman), were killed after receiving cell phones rigged with micro-explosives. Castille was near Reynolds’ phone during the blast but walked away with only minor injuries (or so the team thought).

In the highly anticipated Season 8 premiere, it’s revealed that Isobel is alive but suffering from a brain bleed that requires an emergency craniotomy. Thankfully, she survives — but the same can’t be said for an FBI newcomer.

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FBI agent Dani Rhodes, played by Emily Alabi, is caught in the crossfire of the team’s latest case, which involves a judge searching for his son. Maggie and OA are taken hostage, and Scola (John Boyd) and Dani rush in to rescue them. However, Dani collapses after being shot earlier — believing her bulletproof vest had absorbed the hit, though it had not. She dies next to Scola.

When TV Insider asked showrunner Mike Weiss whether he considered killing off Isobel instead of Dani in the premiere, he responded:

“Every year, at the start of a new season, we, the writers, ask ourselves, ‘What is the current dynamic in the show? What happens if it shifts slightly?’ Isobel holds the entire team together in a lot of ways. We love Alana and her character so much, we never considered writing her off the show,” he said.

Special Agent Dani Rhodes was introduced in Season 7 as Scola’s new partner, replacing Tiffany Wallace (Katherine Renee Kane), who exited in the Season 7 premiere. So why was her character killed off after just one season on the CBS procedural? Here’s everything to know so far.

Why Was Dani Rhodes Killed Off Of FBI?

It appears Dani Rhodes’ death in the Season 8 premiere was a creative decision by the show’s writers to highlight the “grave stakes” FBI agents face every day.

“Her death is a reminder of the grave stakes that [the agents] face day in and day out — trying to protect people in a world that is changing fast, with new threats always lurking around the corner,” Weiss explained.

Weiss added that Rhodes’ death will have a profound impact on her partner, Scola, and influence his future storylines this season.

“Losing a partner is always a tough thing. And Scola is going to be feeling the loss of Dani for a while,” he said. “But Scola joined the FBI after the loss of his brother. He’s a character who finds ways to grow and honor everyone he’s lost in his daily life as an agent. It’s what makes him an extraordinary asset to the team.”

How Did Emily Alabi React To Leaving FBI?

On Tuesday, Oct. 14, Alabi posted a statement on her Instagram story expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be part of FBI.

“To every single person who is part of the FBI family — from our wonderful showrunner Mike Weiss, to all the executive producers, the incredible casting team (Kim Miscia and Jonathan Strauss for Season 8), the talented writers, cast, crew, and every single person involved — thank you,” she wrote. “Working alongside you all has been an absolute dream. I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to bring Dani Rhodes to life and share her with all of you.”

She also thanked her on-screen partner, John Boyd (Scola): “Thank you for creating such a safe and collaborative space, for truly seeing me, and for being such an incredible partner. From our very first screen test to our final shoot day – fist bumps.”

“This experience has meant more to me than words can express, and I am walking forward filled with love, gratitude, and excitement for all that’s ahead,” the actress concluded. “I’m more inspired than ever to continue pushing boundaries and telling stories that move, entertain, and connect us. The best is yet to come — and I can’t wait to share the next adventure with you all.”

Fans flocked to Alabi’s Instagram to express their sadness over her character’s fate in the Season 8 premiere.

“I’m so sad that Dani was killed off!!! 😢💔 I really loved her and Scola’s partnership,” one viewer wrote.

Another added, “So sad to see you (and Dani) go but wishing you the best in all future projects! ❤️.”

FBI airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on CBS and is available to stream on Paramount+.